Woods hurdle for Rory McIlroy at Augusta Masters

Clinching  Masters Green Jacket will place McIlroy at par with  Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Gene Sarazen to win all four majors.

Hyderabad : Rory McIlroy's sensational form this year makes him the favorite to win Augusta Masters starting next week and complete a Career Grand Slam. But the four-time major winner from Northern Ireland will be tested by resurgent Tiger Woods, top-ranked Dustin Johnson and second-ranked Justin Rose among others. Third-ranked McIlroy, who turns 30 next month, has been a consistent contender this season and finally won the Players after five top-six showings.

Bookies also are in McIlroy's favour. Las Vegas Westgate superbook makes him an 8-1 favorite with Johnson next at 10-1 and Woods and Rose at 12-1.

Clinching Masters Green Jacket will place McIlroy at par with Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Gene Sarazen to win all four majors.

"I am motivated to make the most of what I have and to put my name among some of the greats of the game," McIlroy said.

Tiger Woods

McIlroy narrowly missed the Masters in 2011 when he led by four strokes entering the final round only to fire an 80 and settle for a share of 15th.

McIlroy was ousted from last week's WGC Match by Woods, who enjoyed his best season result despite a quarter-final loss.

Woods, a 14-time major champion and four-time Masters champion, hasn't won a major since the 2008 US Open but is in form after spinal fusion surgery to end years of back pain, winning last year's Tour Championship.